Pawlett prepared for Dons switch

Although the capture Conor McGrandles was MK Dons’ first of the off-season, he wasn’t the first signing made by Robbie Neilson ahead of the 2017/18 season.

That man was Peter Pawlett, who agreed a move to Stadium MK way back in March but spent the remainder of the 2016/17 with Aberdeen. His switch will become official on July 1st when his contract at Pittodrie expires.

Pawlett will bring with him a wealth of first-team experience when he travels south of the border to become part of Neilson’s squad at Stadium MK, having played over 200 times in Scotland for Aberdeen and St. Johnstone.

The midfielder hopes both that and his ability will help the Dons improve on their 12th-placed finish in 2016/17 by climbing up the Sky Bet League One table.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “The potential of this club is massive and hopefully I can come here and help us progress.

“I think it’s the right time in my career to come down to England. As soon as I heard there was interest, I knew this was where I wanted to be – it was a huge attraction coming here because MK Dons is a great club, where there is real ambition.”

“It will be different but I’m really looking forward to it. Me and the family will move down and it will be a change for us but I think it’s time for that.”

Unlike his fellow acquisition and countryman McGrandles, Pawlett doesn’t have previous experience of working under Dons boss Neilson but that’s something the 26-year-old is looking forward to.

“I’ve always thought very highly of Robbie. He did well at Hearts and brought them right up the leagues there.